This 1,500-Lumen, Triple-Beam EDC Flashlight Uses A Scroll Wheel Instead Of Button Clicks

The flashlight market has hit something of an innovation plateau lately with most new releases simply pushing higher lumen counts or marginally better battery life. And then you have Wuben, whose X4 model looks to rethink what EDC lighting can be by blending a trio of light sources into a single device for your pocket. 

With the X4, currently being funded on Kickstarter, Wuben continues its impressive evolution in the EDC lighting world. This is the company’s seventh successfully-funded campaign and follows 2023’s release of the X3, but with some major improvements. 

THREE LIGHTS, ONE CARRY

While most everyday carry enthusiasts can attest that the X4 is not the first dual-emitter setup or color-changing option in the flashlight industry, Wuben’s execution is genuinely different. Giving you three distinct lighting options in a single, durable aluminum package, the X4 doesn’t just use the front of the flashlight but the side as well. 

On the front, you get a 1500-lumen main beam from four automotive-grade LEDs for emergency situations or night hikes, capable of throwing up to 205m (~673ft). This features a stepless dimmer, which allows you to really fine-tune your beam. If you flip your X4 on its side, you’ll find a separate 100-lumen warm white (4,000K) array that provides a perfect reading light or tent illuminator. Also benefiting from the scrolling brightness adjustor, it’s built with a diffuser that spreads the light evenly (as opposed to the swivel head of the X3) and the side-facing orientation allows this to serve as a nice reading light when standing upright. Lastly, there’s the RGB side light with seven selectable colors for either emergency signaling or mood lighting.

PRECISION CONTROLS

Where most flashlights still rely on multi-clicking or holding buttons to cycle through modes, the X4’s sliding switch and the aforementioned rotary dial create a more precise, intuitive interface. The three-position slide selects which light you’re controlling (main, side, or off/locked). For RGB selection, a press-and-hold lets you cycle through colors using the same dial. Rather than trying to count clicks, the new system precludes guesswork when it comes to brightness. And what’s particularly appealing is how Wuben combines these innovative elements with traditional features like a standard tactical tail switch for quick activation.

Despite the ambitious functionality of the X4, the placement and control mechanisms are more intuitive compared to how un-user-friendly this setup could have been. We’ve certainly seen progressive flashlights become buried by features that it forgets that an actual person is in charge of operating it.

FAMILIAR YET FORWARD

Wuben’s X-series has been steadily progressing from the original X0 through to this release, with each iteration bringing something meaningfully different to the table. Never boring in visual appearance, the X4 maintains the rectangular form factor that made the X2 and X3 distinctive. Oftentimes tactical flashlights get into the routine of simply giving us a long stick rather than something that looks really cool.

For those upgrading from the X3, the X4 offers significantly more power (1500 lumens vs. 700) and trades the wireless charging for a more practical USB-C port. Perhaps most importantly, it moves to a user-replaceable 18650 battery system, addressing one of the biggest criticisms of the X3’s sealed design. The X4 also boasts an impressive IP68 waterproof rating, which was also missing from its predecessor.

SPEC SHEET

PRICING & AVAILABILITY

Currently being funded on Kickstarter through June 12, the Wuben X4 has early-bird pricing as low as $45. Though the regular price hasn’t been confirmed, based on the company’s previous releases, we expect it to land in the $90 range.

Recap

Wuben X4 Flashlight

Wuben’s latest flashlight has a cool triple-light setup, with a whopping 1,500-lumen main beam, a side diffused beam, and 7-color RBG.

Learn More: Kickstarter